Christian “Chris” Andrew Phillip Selmer

Christian “Chris” Andrew Phillip Selmer, 85, passed away, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Fort Sanders Hospital, in Knoxville, Tenn.

Christian was born Oct. 14, 1940, in Cornell, to Morris B. and Margaret (Tandberg) Selmer.

He attended Cornell Area Schools and graduated from Cornell High School in 1954.

Christian attended UWEau Claire, and also the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville, Tenn., where he majored in English. In the summer of 1975, he participated in a travel study seminar on African studies, held in West Africa.

He had military experience, serving for 22 years, in the Army National Guard. He retired in January 1992.

Chris taught at Knoxville College, from 1969-79, and also taught at the University of Tennessee, from 1979-84. He then began working for the Tennessee Valley Authority, from 1984 until retirement. He also worked in public safety services.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years – Beverly Caroline Goller; sister – Bonnie Selmer Barry (David), Cornell; sister- in-law – Nancy Goller Bezanson, Hartford; brotherin- law – Thomas Goller (Nancy), Galesville; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 2-3 p.m., Friday, June 19, at Borton-Leiser Funeral Home, in Cornell. A graveside service immediately

follows the visitation, at the Cornell Cemetery, with Pastor Greg Sima officiating.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome. com. Borton-Leiser Funeral Home and Cremation Services Cornell, is assisting the family.